Here's a
handful of suggestions that could help you play better poker in
2012

New year, new
promise. When it comes to poker, we're all Del Boys: the future is where we win
world titles and million-dollar pots. (Or at least I assume so; if you've won
those things already, I'm very touched that you're still reading my advice).

I had a good 2011, winning $143,000 in live tournaments and $25,600 in
major online tournaments. That's not the full story  it doesn't include
single-table tournaments, live cash games or (significantly) outlay  but,
all told, a good and profitable year.

Nevertheless, it could have been better.
It could always have been better. If you haven't made your new year resolutions
yet, here are a few to consider.

1 Every time you're about to
call, consider raising instead. It isn't always better  but almost
always. Every time you're about to check the river and hope you're winning,
consider making a value bet.

2 Stop playing weak aces.
Seriously, just stop it. You can play small suited aces (A5 of hearts, that
kind of hand) as long as you're prepared to play a draw aggressively on the
flop. You can usually play AJ or better. Stop calling with all that rubbish in
between; you're only getting yourself in trouble.

3 Never show
your hand, or any part of it, unless you have to.

4 Always know
your chip count and (at least roughly) all the chip counts around the table.
Never forget: the chip counts are more important than the cards.

5 Play some cheap online satellites for major events. Don't buy
straight in just because you can afford to, or rule out major events because
you can't. People are out there playing the European Poker Tour and the World
Series for a $10 outlay. Why shouldn't that be you? This time next year, Rodney